Pithoragarh Travel Guide

Pithoragarh is one of the most beautiful regions in Uttarakhand, located 1,650 m in the Soar Valley. Being surrounded by the four hills of Chandak, Dhwaj, Kumdar, and Thal Kedar, Pithoragarh is a gem of natural beauty, which makes it one of Uttarakhand’s most attractive tourist destinations.

Pithoragarh town is the district headquarters and was once the bastion of the Chand rulers of Kumaon. Traditionally, this place is believed to be the chosen abode of divine deities.

On your tour to Pithoragarh, the main attractions you can visit include the ancient temples and forts scattered all over the town. Besides, the town abounds in spectacular natural beauty – resonating with cascading waterfalls, splendid glaciers, natural reservoirs surrounded by lush vegetation, serene lakes, and beautiful rivers.

Your Pithoragarh tour will also introduce you to the Chandak Hills – located at about 2000 meters. In addition, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli Group, and Mount Appi of Nepal. You can make your vacation more pleasant and smooth by knowing more about Pithoragarh Tourism.

Here is the Travel Guide for Pithoragarh to help you plan a vacation.

Major Attractions of Tour to Pithoragarh

Hills in Pithoragarh – You can visit majestic peaks like Nanda Devi East, Nanda Devi West, Trishul, Hardeol, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Bambadhura, and the Panchachuli Hills while on tour to Pithoragarh.

Glaciers of Pithoragarh – Pithoragarh is home to some magnificent glaciers like the Milam, Namik, Ralam, Meola, and Balati glaciers. The rivers originating from these glaciers, including Kuti, Dhauli Ganga (East), Gori Ganga, Ram Ganga (East), Saryu, and Kali (Sharda), offer plenty of options for adventure sports like rafting and canoeing in Pithoragarh.

Gangolihat – An important religious destination located about 7 km from Pithoragarh, Gangolighat houses an ancient Kali temple, visited by several devotees. The famous Patal Bhuvneshwar caves lie about 14 km from here.

Things to do in Pithoragarh

Apart from sightseeing, there are many exciting activities to indulge in Pithoragarh. Take a look.

Temple visit – Pithoragarh is home to a few temples revered by locals and pilgrims. Some of the famous ones include Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple and Nakuleshwar Temple.
Village Tour – You can walk around the village to get an insight into the local life, customs, and festivals. You will find small villages and hamlets before trekking to the Kumaon Mountains’ higher altitude.
Trekking – As you may or may not know, Pithoragarh is the starting point of a few treks into the Kumaon region. This includes the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Paragliding – If you are an adventure enthusiast, do try paragliding here.

Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh

April to November is the best time to plan your Pithoragarh trip. During summers, the weather remains pleasant, and winters are chilly. July to August is the monsoon season, and we do not recommend visiting during this time. Make sure to carry light woolens in summer and heavy ones in winter.

Accommodation in Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh has great accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses. You can find budget and luxury places to stay in Pithoragarh. If not, government-owned guesthouses (KMVN – tourist bungalows) are also available.

Food Options in Pithoragarh

One of the largest towns, Pithoragarh has many restaurants and roadside dhabas serving lip-smacking North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and continental food. If you want to try authentic Kumaoni dishes, Gahat Dal, Sisunak Saag, Kappa, and Chainsoo are some recommendations. For dessert, try Bal Mithai and Singauri.

How to Reach Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh has a small hill airstrip at Naini Saini – about 5 km from the town. The nearest railheads are at Kathgodam and Tanakpur, from where Pithoragarh can be easily reached by buses and taxis.